Nia Long Set For Lead Role in Lifetime’s “Beaches” Remake

For all of you who loved the original, this casting news should brighten up your day.

Usually the news of movie remakes is met with a “meh” response or an eye roll at the very least, but an upcoming remake of a very popular film may change all of that. It has just been announced that the ever-beautiful Nia Long has joined the cast of Lifetime network’s Beaches remake, taking on a major role.

It was only a few weeks ago that news dropped that Lifetime was remaking the classic film Beaches (widely considered as one of the best “chick flicks” of all-time) with the star of Broadway’s Wicked and Disney’s Frozen, Idina Menzel in the lead role of CC Bloom, which was originally played in the 1988 big-screen version by Bette Midler. Well today the other lead role of Hillary Whitney, played by Barbara Hershey in the original, has officially been given to Nia Long.

Industry insider Deadline has all of the details surrounding Long’s casting, as well as production notes and an expected release date.

Their reports states:

Nia Long is set to star opposite Idina Menzel in Lifetime’s remake of the 1988 film Beaches. They will play the leads, portrayed in the original by Barbara Hershey and Bette Midler, respectively. “Beaches” follows the serendipitous meeting of two youngsters on the Venice Boardwalk, who, though worlds apart in lifestyle, embark on unexpected and lifelong friendship. CC (Menzel) is an aspiring singer trying to make it in Los Angeles. Hillary (Long) is the daughter of a prominent civil rights lawyer who struggles to find her own destiny. Their friendship—even with its ups and downs—sustains them for decades.

The remake, from A+E Studios, will feature new versions of the iconic songs “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “The Glory of Love” performed by Menzel as well as additional songs recorded by the Tony winner for the Lifetime film, it began production yesterday in Vancouver for a 2017 premiere.

This is exciting for a few reasons. Idina Menzel is a great choice to tackle the role that Bette Midler made famous because she has an amazing voice that can do the big musical numbers in the film justice. Also, it’s wonderful that they added some diversity this time around by making the Hillary Whitney character African American and Nia Long’s girl-next-door charm fits the role perfectly. Looking forward to this one!